Leicester’s Mahrez leaves Algeria camp in bid to seal move

By : NAN

Date: 31 August 2017 5:55pm WAT

(FILES) This file photo taken on May 01, 2016 shows Leicester City's Algerian midfielder Riyad Mahrez controlling the ball during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England. Mahrez, one of the stars of Leicester City's unlikely Premier League title triumph last season, has hinted that only "two or three" clubs could tempt him to leave the English champions. Algerian international Mahrez, who was named player of the year in England by his fellow professionals last season after playing a crucial role in Claudio Ranieri's side's success, has been linked with a big-money move away in the summer. Arsenal, who travel to Leicester this weekend, have been credited with a strong interest in Mahrez but the Foxes are desperate to keep hold of the player. / AFP PHOTO / OLI SCARFF

Leicester City forward Riyad Mahrez has been allowed to leave the Algeria training camp to “formalise” a transfer on deadline day, the Algerian Football Federation said on Thursday.

Mahrez, a key member of Leicester’s Premier League title-winning side in 2015-16 when he was voted PFA Player of the Year, has been the subject of bids from Italian club Roma.

Several Premier League clubs are also likely to be keen to sign the 26-year-old, who has scored 35 goals for Leicester since arriving from French club Le Havre in 2014.

A statement from the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) said Mahrez, preparing for World Cup qualifiers against Zambia, had been allowed to travel back to Europe.

“Mahrez was authourised by the national coach, Lucas Alcaraz, and FAF to make an express trip to Europe to formalise his transfer to his new club,” a statement said.

“The selection will, therefore, fly without him Thursday morning to Lusaka to face Zambia on Saturday.”

Mahrez has played in all three of Leicester’s Premier League matches so far this season.
The English transfer window closes at 2200 GMT on Thursday.